Julien revealed that Karsums will skate on a line with Sobotka and Shawn Thornton, while Stephane Yelle will move up and center a line flanked by P.J. Axelsson and Chuck Kobasew. While Karsums will be making his NHL debut, Sobotka will skate in an NHL game for the first time since Oct. 23 at Toronto.

In addition, Julien explained that defenseman Aaron Ward (leg) and winger Marco Sturm (neck) are both day-to-day. Although Sturm has been moved to long-term injured reserve, the move is retroactive to Nov. 17 — meaning he’s already fulfilled the 24-day, 10-game minimum absence. Julien said that Sturm skated today and continues to improve. Julien had no update on Nokelainen’s status.